Barone’s expands to BLVD location

Gene Magar became a partner to Barone’s in 1970, and today co-owns the restaurant with his wife, Diane; his son, John; and partner, Dan Edwards.

LANCASTER – The city of Lancaster joined with Barone’s Pizza Tuesday in celebrating the grand opening of Barones on The BLVD. The new restaurant is the second location for Barone’s Pizza, which has been in operation since 1959.

“An institution of the Antelope Valley is expanding to Lancaster Boulevard,” said City Manager Mark Bozigian, adding that his first job was as a dishwasher at Barone’s in 1975.

A first-rate business has chosen to make downtown Lancaster their new home, Parris said.

Barone’s is the first recipient of the Spice Up Lancaster Loan Program, which was approved by the Lancaster City Council in November.

“Barone’s is precisely the type of restaurant we aimed to assist in implementing the Spice Up Lancaster Loan Program,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “They have been part of the local business community for more than half a century, and many longtime Antelope Valley residents have and continue to make fond memories at Barone’s existing location on Avenue I. Now, with the assistance of this innovative loan program, they have expanded to a new location to bring their delicious Italian cuisine and family-friendly atmosphere to a whole new segment of Antelope Valley residents.”

Barone’s Pizza was originally founded by Al Barone in 1959. Gene Magar became a partner to Barone’s in 1970, and today co-owns the restaurant with his wife, Diane; his son, John; and partner, Dan Edwards. As Gene and Diane have gone into semi-retirement, John and Dan run the day-to-day operations at both Barone’s locations.

“Coming back to The BLVD has been a wonderful opportunity that has brought us full-circle,” said John Magar. “Barone’s started on The BLVD in 1959. Today, we’re able to return to our roots here in the heart of downtown Lancaster and expand our business.” Magar said the new BLVD location will offer a fine dining experience.

The new location offers a more intimate setting.

Barone’s authentic Italian cuisine features recipes from the kitchen of the Barone family, which emigrated from southern Italy to the United States in 1946. Specialties include a wide range of dishes, from traditional pizzas and the calzone-style Big Baron to gnocchi, chicken cacciatore and eggplant parmigiana. The new BLVD location also features new delights, such as salmon, in an intimate, romantic atmosphere.

“We are proud to play a role in the growth of Barone’s Pizza,” Bozigian said. “This family-owned restaurant has created jobs and contributed to the Lancaster community for generations.”

Barone’s on The BLVD is located at 628 W. Lancaster Boulevard.

Barone’s on The BLVD is located at 628 W. Lancaster Boulevard, and their other restaurant is located at 1229 W. Avenue I. For hours of operation and more information, call 661-579-9875 or visit www.barones-pizza.com.

“We recognize that the ultimate success of The BLVD rests in the hands of the entrepreneurs who choose to locate there,” added Parris. “We are delighted that this highly experienced, first-rate business has chosen to make downtown Lancaster their new home.”

The Spice Up Lancaster Loan Program offers low-interest loans of up to $25,000 to facilitate expansion to another location for well-established restaurants that have been operating in the Antelope Valley for 10 years or more.

Restaurants must have fewer than five existing locations in order to be eligible. For more information or to apply, contact Projects Assistant Chenin Dow at 661-723-6165 or cdow@cityoflancasterca.org.